AllFreeNovel
Share Us
30
Jack
The windows of the club on Dean Street were all steamed up and I didn’t realise how packed it was until I pushed my way inside. The place was a heaving mass of actors and staff from the agency and industry people, all drunk and sweating and talking loudly (about themselves, no doubt). I should have listened to my instincts and taken an extra shift at the pub when Luke had offered it to me. The DJ was playing hip-hop so loud I could feel it pulsating through my bones.
I strained my neck, looking for Chad. I planned to have a casual chat with him while he was possibly inebriated and in a good mood, but if he was on one of his health kicks, he wouldn’t be drinking at all. Surely even Chad was capable of having a good time at a party.
‘There you are, mate. I was wondering if you were going to make it,’ said Seb, dancing up to me, swivelling his hips in time to the music, his eyes glassy, his dark curls wet with sweat.
I had no idea why he was here, he wasn’t even represented by Star Management.
‘Wouldn’t miss this, would I?’ I lied. ‘Seen Chad?’
Seb was now dancing with Chad’s assistant, grinding his crotch against her thigh. ‘He’s around somewhere,’ he shouted over his shoulder.
I looked around, my eyes searching the room, eventually spotting Chad, who was ordering a sparkling water at the bar. Oh god. I’d been hoping that tonight there would be a chance for me to get on a level with Chad, to see whether we could salvage something. It had been better between us at the beginning. I’d actually thought he liked me, then, and he had at least shown a modicum of enthusiasm about my work and had (a tiny amount of) time for me. We used to have actual conversations about stuff other than the very perfunctory details of my next audition. It was becoming clear now that I needed a new agent, but the thought absolutely terrified me. Could I really give up everything that Star Management represented? Would I be better off at a smaller, boutique agency where they might not have the contacts Chad had, but they could see my potential for what it was? I had longevity, I had passion and I was prepared to work hard. And if Chad couldn’t see that, then it was time to move on.
‘Excuse me? Jack, isn’t it?’
I whirled round. A man in smart grey trousers, a white pinstriped shirt that was open at the neck and rectangular glasses was standing next to me.
‘That’s right,’ I replied, smiling. You never knew who you might meet at these sorts of things.
‘I’m Alistair Kemp,’ he said. ‘From Hargreaves & Kemp.’
‘Hi!’ I said, recognising the name immediately.
I’d written to him years ago, when I was about to leave drama school and was looking for an agent, but then I’d been swept up in the Star Management machine.
‘Wasn’t expecting to see any other agents at a Star event,’ I commented.
Alistair laughed. ‘My brother-in-law’s on the board of directors,’ he explained. ‘Fancied a night out, so thought I’d gatecrash.’
‘Don’t blame you,’ I said, grabbing a strange-looking canapé from a passing waitress.
Alistair did the same, peering at it.
‘What do you think it is?’ he said, sniffing it with suspicion.
I shrugged. ‘No idea. We’re just going to have to be brave and go for it.’
We simultaneously popped them into our mouths making appreciative noises. I still had no clue what was in it.
‘I enjoyed your performance on Holby City last year,’ said Alistair.
I forced my last mouthful of canapé down my throat. ‘You did?’
Immediately I wished I’d made more of an effort. I was wearing the exact same outfit I wore for every single networking event, opening night party or family function: black jeans and a black French Connection shirt that I’d once bought for an audition. I’d baulked at the price at the time, but if you worked out the price per wear, it had been a veritable bargain.
‘You went to LAMDA, didn’t you? I vaguely remember your showcase. I was about to ask if you wanted to come in for a chat when I heard you’d signed with Star.’
‘Oh right,’ I said, grabbing two glasses of Champagne from a passing waiter and handing one to Alistair. ‘That feels like a long time ago now.’
Alistair laughed. ‘So how’s it going with Chad?’
I looked nervously around. Could I really do this now?
‘Um … it’s fine,’ I replied. ‘I mean, he’s very busy.’
